What are food Preservatives?
The term “preservatives” or “food additives” refers to the functional name for a wide variety of compounds that help slow or prevent bacterial growth in food
Preservatives in Food:
Preservatives are added to food to fight spoilage caused by bacteria, moulds, fungus, and yeast. These preservatives can also keep food fresher for longer periods, extending its shelf life. Food preservatives also are in use to slow or prevent changes in colour, flavour or texture and delay rancidity.
Safety of Preservatives in Food:
The use of preservatives in food products is strictly in studies, regulations and monitoring by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Federal regulations require evidence that food additives are safe for their intended use.
Preservatives in foods are subject to an ongoing safety review by the FDA as scientific understanding and methods of testing continue to improve.
Q: What are the uses of food preservatives and what do food preservatives do?
The addition of preservatives to food is to fight spoilage caused by bacteria, moulds, fungus, and yeast. Preservatives also help keep food fresh for longer periods.
Q: What are preservatives consists of?
The making of Preservatives can be from “natural” chemicals such as salt or alcohol. They can also be man-made, or synthetic chemicals. “Natural” or “organic” chemicals are not necessarily healthier than synthetic or man-made chemicals. Artificial preservatives such as sodium nitrate, sodium benzoate and propionate have long been used in food preparation because they are effective in small amounts.